Probiotics improve atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents: a
double blind, placebo-controlled study.
Abstract
Background: The hypothesis that early stimulation of the gut microbiota
contributes to immune system balance has encouraged the use of
probiotics to treat atopic dermatitis (AD), an immunological disorder
characterized by chronic and relapsing skin inflammation, in several
clinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of
a mixture of probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) in children
and adolescents with AD and the effects of probiotics on sensitization,
inflammation, and immunological tolerance. Methods: In this
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, children
and adolescents (aged 2 to 19 years) received one gram (sachet) per day
of probiotics or placebo for six months. SCOring of AD (SCORAD) index,
serum IgE levels, skin prick test, tolerogenic and inflammatory
cytokines were evaluated. Results: Forty patients were evaluated and
clinical response was significantly better in the probiotic group as
compared to the placebo group after treatment for six months; SCORAD
decreased (95% CI, 2.44–52.94) even after adjustment for co-variables
(95% CI, 5.52–59.13). Three months after the treatment was
discontinued, improvement persisted in the probiotic group even after
adjustment for co-variables (95% CI, 0.78– 27.70). IgE levels, skin
prick test and cytokines did not differ between groups. Conclusions: AD
children and adolescents treated with a mixture of probiotics
(Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus
paracasei, and Bifidobacterium lactis) for six months presented a
significate SCORAD reduction as compared to placebo group. This
probiotics mixture did not affect SPT and IgE levels, as well as
inflammatory or tolerogenic cytokines. ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02519556.